FRAPPUCCINO and coffee fans will have another place to get their fix as Starbucks is just weeks away from opening a brand new drive-thru in the North East.

For the past two years work to transform the Mile House on Durham Road in Stockton has been underway ahead of the coffee giant moving in.

The site, which will feature an inside seating area and a drive-thru lane, is reportedly set to serve up hot and cold drinks in time for summer.

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Pictures taken this week reveal work is almost complete with metal railings remaining around the site and Starbucks 'coming soon' signs up.

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo: Starbucks will open the new site in coming weeks Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTStarbucks will open the new site in coming weeks Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

An exact date has not yet been announced by the coffee giant although it is anticipated that the opening will be met with celebration and offers.

It is understood that Starbucks will share the Stockton site with a salon, vets and even bakery giant Greggs.

However, the transformation from a former derelict pub into a Starbucks has not been accepted by all with the project at the heart of controversy back in 2020.

Read more: Work on long-awaited drive-thru Starbucks conversion begins in Teesside

Stockton Borough Council previously refused planning permission for the scheme, saying that the plans were an "overdevelopment."

However, developers Cliff Court won an appeal with the inspectorate ordering the council to pay costs to the developer due to delays in the process.

The Northern Echo: Picture: Terry BlackburnPicture: Terry Blackburn

Developer John Taylor previously said the plans for the “well-loved” but “seriously dilapidated” site would create more than 30 jobs with four rapid car charging points installed alongside the other facilities.

He added: “Local residents, I am sure, will all be delighted that this eyesore will be redeveloped whilst retaining some original features of the building.”

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